By: Andrew L. Lawrence
The assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Butler, PA, this past Saturday should serve as a wake-up call about the dangerous impact of reckless political rhetoric.
For the past eight years, the Democratic Party has painted Trump as the ultimate villain, going as far as comparing him to Hitler on more than one occasion.
But recently, they’ve ramped up their scare tactics, preaching to voters that a Trump re-election would spell “the end of democracy.” Unfortunately, this non-stop fear mongering has created a climate where extreme actions seem justifiable to some.
From the start of his candidacy, Trump has faced relentless hostility. Comparing him to one of history’s worst dictators was not only historically off-base, but also irresponsibly hyperbolic.
And these talking points weren’t just confined to the fringes; it has been echoed by leading Democratic figures and the mainstream media countless times. By portraying Trump as an existential threat, they’ve inadvertently fueled a climate of fear and hatred that has now led to this tragic event – and the most significant act of political violence we’ve seen in this country in four decades.
And the rhetoric has only intensified as we approach the November election. Democrats have waxed poetic that a Trump comeback would be disastrous for democracy. This kind of language not only undermines the democratic process by discrediting legitimate political opposition, but also incites the very kinds of extreme responses we witnessed on Saturday.
Just on July 8th, President Biden reportedly told Democratic donors that it was “time to put Trump in a bullseye” during a fundraising call. These statements aren’t just reckless; they’re dangerous. And while Biden tried to walk back this comment during his interview with Lester Holt last night, the damage was already done.
By continually demonizing Trump, Democratic leaders and their supporters have created an environment where violence seems like a viable option to some. This kind of rhetoric has real-world consequences, as we saw in Butler. Words matter, especially when they come from the highest levels of political leadership.
And while the leaders who have used this dangerous rhetoric can’t be blamed for the actions of a deranged wannabe assassin, they can certainly be credited for fueling them.
It’s time to reflect on the language we use and its real-world consequences. We need a political discourse rooted in respect and truth, not fear and division.
Andrew L. Lawrence is a graduate of the University of Georgia and George Washington University. He resides in Savannah, Georgia.